Curtain supporting device

ABSTRACT

The invention features a curtain supporting device characterised in that the curtain ( 1 ) is hung beneath a spring ( 2 ), helically coiled and suitably guided by a supporting element, through holding means ( 3 ) set at every n turn.

[0001] The present invention relates to a curtain supporting device.

[0002] In the current state of the art, two methods are used to hang curtains.

[0003] The first method consists in using a horizontal rod on which are strung rings attached to the curtain. This method is generally applied to small-sized curtains, such as those used in households, since it does not lend itself to the motor-driven opening and closing.

[0004] The second method consists in using a horizontal rail for guiding carriages under each of which the curtain is attached.

[0005] By exerting a horizontal traction on the lead carriage the curtain is pulled along and, in the case of an opening maneuver, the portion of the latter between the first and the second carriage is unfolded. In continuing this action, the portion between the second and third carriage is unfolded, and so on.

[0006] From the aforementioned explanation, it appears that when a curtain is opened, it forms identical folds, but these disappear one after another during the closing of the curtain. This phenomenon is reversed during the opening.

[0007] When applied to a stage curtain, it turns out therefore that the visual effect is not pleasant during an opening or a closing.

[0008] Added to this is the fact that carriages are expensive, fragile and always cumbersome mechanical assemblies.

[0009] The present invention, which overcomes these drawbacks, is noteworthy in that the curtain is hung beneath a spring, helically wound and suitably guided by a support member by means of holding members set at every n turn.

[0010] The spring is affixed at one of its ends and can be subject to a traction at the other by means of a usual cable.

[0011] When an action is exerted on the cable, the spring bends, which means that the distance separating two adjoining turns will increase or decrease by a certain k value, and that the distance separating two holding members will vary in the quantity n.k. The result thereof is that the curtain folds will form or disappear uniformly.

[0012] Such a visual effect could not be obtained using the known devices.

[0013] The present invention will be better understood in the following description, with reference to the attached drawings, given only by way of example, in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the device of the invention, the curtain being shown in the open position;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, the curtain being shown in the closed position;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing another embodiment.

[0018] In reference to the drawings, the curtain 1 is hung under a support member constituted by a spring 2, helically wound, by means of holding members, such as those designated by the reference numeral 3, for example.

[0019] In the example shown, each holding member 3 is constituted by a tongue straddling certain turns and attached to the upper edge of the curtain.

[0020] The holding members are set at every n turn, the value of the number n depending on the total width of the curtain and the number of holding members.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the spring 2 is a spring with contiguous turns. Therefore, if the end 4 is fixed and if a traction is exerted on the end 5 in the direction of the arrow F₁, the spring will be stretched, and the distance separating the adjoining members 3 will increase, which means that the widths of the curtain folds P₁ and P₂ will increase while remaining equal.

[0022] In releasing the action on the end 5, the spring will be released and the opposite phenomenon will occur. The effect of the spring release can be combined with a traction on the end 5 in the opposite direction of the arrow F₁.

[0023]FIG. 2 shows another embodiment according to which the spring is a spring with non-contiguous turns. In this case and in the absence of action on the spring, the curtain is normally closed. To open the curtain, a traction must be exerted on the free end of the spring along the arrow F₂.

[0024] According to one or the other of the embodiments, the spring 2 is guided in a horizontal rail 6, taking on, in cross section, the form of an inverted U with a narrowed opening. This rail can be straight or curved.

[0025] According to an alternative embodiment, the spring 2 can be guided on a rod 7 that extends through it.

[0026] It must be noted that, contrary to the known devices, the device according to the invention allows unfolding or folding several curtains or streamers.

[0027] It must also be noted that by fixing one of the turns with respect to the guiding member 6-7, it is possible to exert a traction on one or the other of the ends of the spring and thus to unfold or fold only a part of the curtain, either to the left or to the right.

[0028] Without leaving the scope of the invention, it is possible, in view of obtaining certain stage effects, that the value of the number n will vary. This value can vary, for example, in a cyclic way, to take on the values n₁, n₂, n₁, n₂, etc. 

1. Device for supporting curtains of the type such as those using a helically wound spring, characterized in that the curtain (1) is hung beneath a spring (2), suitably guided by a support member (6-7) by means of holding members (3) set at every n turn, one of the turns, at least, being fixed with respect to said support, and the unfolding of said curtain being obtained by exerting a traction on one of the free ends of said spring.
 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support member is constituted by a rail (6) having a cross section in the form of an inverted U and a narrowed opening.
 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support member is constituted by a rod (7) extending through the spring (2) axially.
 4. Device according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the spring (2) is a spring with contiguous turns.
 5. Device according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the spring is a spring with non-contiguous turns. 